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IN THE NEWS: ancient dogs

IN THE NEWS: ancient dogs

Sleeping Aztec dog model

Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered the mummified remains of more than 40 dogs buried with blankets and food alongside their human masters, according to a BBC News Report (23/9/06) (Written/compiled by Ian Mursell/Mexicolore)

'Experts say the dogs' treatment in death indicated the belief that the animals had an afterlife. Such a status for pets has only previously been seen in ancient Egypt.' In fact the Aztecs and other peoples from pre-Hispanic Mexico believed very much in an afterlife for dogs...

Recent research from south-west United States (2008) suggests that the practice of burying dogs as divine ‘escorts’ was far more widespread among ancient Americans than previously thought - indeed: ‘The earlier the [human] burial, the more likely you are to have dog in it,’ according to Dody Fugate, an assistant curator at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, who conducted the research.

More on Aztec dogsBBC News feature on mummified Peruvian dogs

Comments (1)

J

JGarcia

15th Apr 2012

I am a Native American from Arizona. Elders in our tribe say they often buried dogs with their owners because after the owners passed away the dogs would be heartbroken and die of grief soon after. They had a close bond with their owners. I enjoy this site....thanks for all the good work

M

Mexicolore

Many thanks for your encouragement and support - and for the very telling information you’ve contributed!

IN THE NEWS: ancient dogs

Sleeping Aztec dog model

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